Month: April 2019

Manuel Pellegrini claims in Melbourne won't de-rail Manchester City's pre-season preparations. On a disastrous night Down Under, Pellegrini saw before Madrid ran riot against patched up City. But out on a brave face after his former club swatted City aside in front of Australia's biggest ever football crowd - 99,382 at the artnership which will see the continued delivery of residential football school courses in the UK, reports, /.The Premier League club and the football education provider first teamed up two years ago to offer Liverpool International Academy football MCG. Said Pellegrini: “I have no concerns for the season because we had a lot of missing players and many of the players we had like Sagna, Kolarov and Joe Hart have only been working for five days. “It is important to play in pre-season against important teams but you cannot be worried at this moment about the scores, whether you are winning or losing.” Delph later hobbled on to City's team bus and could miss the start of the season. But he'll fly to Vietnam on Saturday for City's final tour game in Hanoi on Monday. Said Pellegrini: “Unfortunately Fabian had a problem with his hamstring in the first few minutes of the game. “He is a very important player on the left side and we had to make changes to the way we were playing. At that moment it was a very close game. “After that the problem was our weak defence rather than his injury. It would have been useful for him to play 45 minutes so this injury is not the best news. “He has a hamstring problem and tomorrow we will try to get a diagnosis. But it is difficult to know as the doctor needs at least 48 hours.” Missing centre-backs Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala and Martin Demichelis, Pellegrini was forced to throw in sixteen-year-old Acadamy star Cameron Humphreys and Jason Denayer, 19. Against Ronaldo, Arsenal target Karim Benzema and £85 million Gareth Bale City's kids struggled. But they weren't alone as some senior stars buckled too. On the eve of the game Yaya Toure talked of the gap City must bridge if they are to challenge Madrid. And the gulf looked wide as Bernabeu boss Rafa Benitez saw his stars turn on the style. “We knew before the game it would be difficult to play against a team like Madrid that has such good attackers while we missed three centre backs”added City's boss. “Of course it is hard and you miss the other players we haven't got here like Zabaleta and Aguero. “Then Mangala was sick this morning and couldn't play while Vincent's already back in Manchester because he will shortly become a father.” New £49 million signing Raheem Sterling, loudly booed from the start, struggled to make an impact. And after Delph was carried off after 18 minutes, City collapsed falling 3-0 behind. Benzema grabbed the first brilliantly hooking a shot from Bale's cross past helpless Hart. Ronaldo quickly made it 2-0 finding taking a Toni Kroos pass as teenagers Humphrey' and Denayer were caught out. Unmarked defender Pepe then powered home a thumping header from Isco's corner with City's markers AWOL before Toure made it 3-1 from the spot. Manchester United target Sergio Ramos handled in an edge of the box tangle with Sterling who seemed to handle first. Isco was unlucky to have a good goal ruled out for off-side but with Ronaldo departing after 65 minutes, Liverpool target Denis Cherychev made it 4-1 to round off a miserable night for City.owe was delighted with their 1-0 win over Manchester United on Saturday.Josh King hit a superb winner for the triumph.Howe said, "It was a really good game, we were solid and competitive, we looked a real threat and thankfully we got over the line an All the best pictures from the match: Will Manchester City win the title next season?3000+ VOTES SO FAR

Steven Gerrard thinks Liverpool could be heading into a 'golden era' under . The Reds play Sevilla in the final of the Europa League on Wednesday evening, hoping to cap a promising few months with some silverware. There has been a vast improvement since Klopp's arrival in October, with European performances a particular highlight of the seasdiola is delighted with the attitude of Gabriel Jesus.The Brazil international took the opportunity to impress in European competition, scoring the third goal against Shakhtar.“He was involved and maybe involved tomorrow but it's difficult to find on. saw off Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund and Villarreal to book their place in the Basel showpiece, underlining their ability to raise their game for the big occasions. And Gerrard feels victory would put down a marker as the club look to achieve greater things – including a possible title challenge – in the years ahead. "A European trophy [would mean] a place in history for all those playersnding big money to sell captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang this summer.The Daily Express says Arsenal want £70million for Aubameyang if he leaves the club the summer.The Gabon striker is contracted to Emirates Stadium until June 2021 but has garnered and the sense they are at the beginning of a new era under one of the greatest coaches of his generation," "There would be such a buzz around the club and the city, the lads and supporters will already be counting down the days until pre-season and you can guarantee all the talk next August will be about what is next for Jurgen Klopp’s side – a possible title bid. "With the calibre of player they can attract, and Champions League qualification, there will be confidence Liverpool can challenge." Coutinho keen to rip up nearly-men tag

may only be a spectator at Wednesday's Euder Bremen goalkeeper Jiri Pavlenka is being linked with a move to Liverpool.Fotospor says Liverpool are eyeing Pavlenka as a replacement for Simon Mignolet this summer.Mignolet is expected to leave the club after playing second-fiddle to Alisson Becropa League final, but colleague Ander Herrera expects the experienced Swede will still have a part to play in Stockholm. The 35-year-old striker was back at United's Aon Training Complex last week after going under the knife in America to repair the knee ligament damage he sustained during the Europa League quarter-finals. That has ruled him out of a homecoming against former club Ajax at the Friends Arena, where a statue of the striker is due to be erected, though United boss Jose Mourinho has already confirmed Ibrahimovic and his fellow injured team-mates will travel to the contest regardless. And for a United team lacking the continental pedigree of previous years, with Herrera, Antonio Valencia andnt he is fully fit for the new season with West Ham United.West Ham's injury-hit midfielder made just eight appearances last season following his arrival at the Hammers from Arsenal. Wilshere has been put through his paces during West Ham's pre-seaso Paul Pogba the only players in the XI that started against Celta Vigo to have featured in a previous European final, Herrera thinks Ibrahimovic's vast experience could be a vital asset in his side's biggest game of the term. "I always say this is a team sport, we are a team," declared Herrera. "The reason we have won two titles (Community Shield and EFL Cup) this season is because everyone has been there, working, helping. This final is for everyone. "Of course 11 players will be on the pitch but everyone is ready to help and push for their team-mates. So, if we win it, it will be for everyone. Everyone has been part of this. "Zlatan and Ash (Young) have very good experience. We need everyone. "When you want to win a European trophy and you want to make a good season, it is not only on the pitch, you need help from the outside. Zlatan is here to help, Ash is also here to help. We are a team who is together. Everyone is important." When Ibrahimovic suffered his injury at the end of last month, concerns arose over whether he would even play again due to the severity of the injury at his age. Herrera stated at the time that he had no reservations about his return due to the forward's supreme physical state and that view has not changed after seeing him post-op. "He is with us, he is supporting us," Herrera added. "I think he is very good. He is optimistic. He is 100 per cent sure he will be back because he cannot stop winning. He cannot stop scoring. For sure he will be back at the best." None of Herrera, Valencia or Pogba ended up on the winning sides in their previous European finals and the former is driven by the disappointment he suffered at this stage five years ago. Midfielder Herrera was playing for an Athletic Bilbao side that had beaten Sir Alex Ferguson's United en route to an all-Spanish final they were to lose against Atletico Madrid. "I have played in the final and it was very disappointing when Atletico Madrid beat us when I was with Athletic Bilbao," he explained. "Now I have the chance to win it. For the club, it is a massive competition right now. "It is one game, one trophy. That is what will be in my mind. We are going to play for one European trophy that this club has never won. We can bring back a European title for the club which is very important. That is what this club is about." Will Manchester United win the Europa League?13000+ VOTES SO FAR

St Etienne manager Christophe Galtier has played down the importance of his side's clashes with United have been drawn with the Ligue 1 side in the last 32 of the Europa League. The first leg is set for Old Trafford on February 16 before the reverse the following week. But with his side looking to qualify for the Champions League domestically, Galtier insists the clash is the least important of the month, are fifth in thn Henderson after scoring in Liverpool's 3-0 defeat of Bournemouth.The captain had felt there was an opportunity for his fellow midfielder to take advantage of direct deliveries in the game and his message was heard to important effect.“He was probe French League, one point behind rivals Lyon. St Etienne boss Galtier said: "There can be no relright decision staying with Chelsea.The 18-year-old penned a five-year contract recently after previously trying to force through a move to Bayern Munich."The club have done so much for me and I'm so thankful for that," he told BBC Sport."The decisioaxation, I do not fear that, even if we have to think about it. "The most important matches will obviously be next, Nice, and Lorient. "And the two games with Manchester will surely be the two least important matches of the month of February. "Thanks to the team, thanks to the players, the investment and the work during the three weeks of training [during the winter break]. "We went out of the Coupe de France but in the league, we have managed to score points, to score goals and we must rely on this to keep challenging where we are." Will Manchester United win the Europa League this season?5000+ VOTES SO FAR

Jose Mourinho has explained why £31million summer signing Victor Lindelof was left out of the squad foris future with Manchester United.The goalkeeper helped Sheffield United win promotion to the Premier League during a successful loan last season.“That's what I've been working for my whole life," the Whitehaven-born youngster told the Cumbrian News Sunday's win over West Ham, report the Lindelof was demoted from the United squad for the Premier League opener against West Ham having struggled on his debut against Real Madrid in the Super Cup on Tuesday. Eric Bailly and Phil Jones were suspended for that tie but returned to the starting line-up as United Lindelof watched on from the directors' box and his fiancee sent an irate tweet to trolls abusing her over his absence, but Mourinho dismissed misgivings over Lindelof and compared him with former Chelsea stalwart Ricardo Carvalho. "I think Real Madrid was too early for him," Mourinho said. "He played because Jones and Bailly were both suspended. "I have players coming from different leagues to the Premier League and normally it's not easy. The difference between Lukaku and Matic is exactly that, they have years and years of the Premier League. "I brought in 2004 a phenomenal central defender to England in Carvalho, he was one of the best central defenders in the last decade of the Premier League, but he struggled, it was difficult for him to come and adapt to the beginning and I think Victor needs a little bit of time and he's going to have that time. "Mkhitaryan is not a defender and last season he needed his time, so let's go step by step, because Victor is a fantastic player." Mourinho played down the significance of United's opening victory having taken them to the summit in his league opener at Bournemouth a year ago. "Last season we were also top of the league with goals in the first match and we finished sixth," he added. "So this means, it is clear, it just means that we played well and with confidence levels really high and now our challenge is to keep, not this level of result, but is to keep these confidence levels. "I thinam Gallas believes Manchester City are falling short in Europe because they can't handle an aggressive press.Gallas made the observation when discussing the Premier League's domination of Europe this season.He told RMC: "That's what we have to integrk we, as I told, we can be a better team than we were last season. Second transfer window for us, now 13 months of work together, so we have better conditions to be better."

has described the job as "the one that everyone wants".evic believes that one of his key jobs is to protect star man Wilfried Zaha.Players at Palace know how much their talented teammate is targeted by the opposition with fouls and aggression.And Milivojevic believes that it is up to him to lead by examp following his much-heralded arrival as boss at Old Trafford last month. And Mourinho admits he is proud to have taken on the task of managing a club as big as United. "The other two times I was arriving back in the country. This time is different. I was sacked by Chelsea and I've stayed in the same country with the same faces around me," he said. "It's difficult to describe. It's difficult to find the right words to describe this club. "This is not my dream job, this is reality. I am Manchester United manager. This is a job everyonrly these past three years. And for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Manchester United, there's nothing wrong with bringing in a striker who has the knack of being in the right place at the right time...It really did all fall Ighalo's way on Friday night. Eve wants." And Mourinho knows what the fans of English football's most successful clubs expect. "I know the responsibility, I know the expectations, I know the legacy," he added. "I know what is behind me, I know the history of this club. I know what the fans expect of me. "This challenge doesn't make me nervous because of my history over the last 10 years. "It comes at the right time in my career. I feel stable and have great motivation. I am where I want to be." Mourinho: "It's the job everyone wants" Will Jose Mourinho win the title as Manchester United manager?13000+ VOTES SO FAR

Manuel Pellegrini has dismissed 's apology for revealing he is coming to the Premier League next season. Outgoing Bayern Munich boss Guardiola is favourite to take Pellegrini's job at in the summer. Guardiola apologised for putting pressure on Premier League bosses by revealing he will manage in England next season. But Pellegrini, speaking ahead of City's Premier League clash with Everton tomorrow, said he had no reason to accept Guardiola's apology. “No, I'm not worried about that,” said Pellegrini. “I don't think he apologises for me, so I don't have anything to say about that. In pictures - Norwich 0-3 Manchester City: “It's the same thing I said three weeks ago – I'm not worried about the future. “My duty is to try to do the best work I can at Manchester City. “My target is to try to win the Premier League this year and try to be involved in every competition to the end and win another trophy.” Pellegrini also said City were unlikely to do any business in this month's transfer window, and dismissed suggestions could leave. Bony has been linked with a move back to Swansea this month but Pellegrini said: “It's speculation, nothing more. I always answer the same answer. “I think the squad is complete at the moment. Nobody will come and nobody will go out. “We have options until the last day of the window but at the moment [no].” Pellegrini believes star striker Sergio Aguero is getting back to his best after playing four successive games following his return from injury. “I said Sergio has improved a lot,” said Pellegrini. “In the last game he played, against Norwich, he scored a beautiful goal. “He conlympique Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele insists he's not agreed terms with any rival club.PSG, Manchester United and Manchester City have been linked with Ndombele.But he says, "If I know what I'm going to do next season? No, I do not know yet. It itinues to improve and every game h plays we hope he will return to his normal performance. “He feels very good and in the way he plays more minutes it will be better for him. City will be without Vincent Kompany, Eliaquim Mangala, Fernandinho, Samir Nasri and Bony for the visit of Everton. Pellegrini also conceded skipper Vincent Kompany may not be back from injury until the final part of the season, with the defender remaining sidelined by another calf injury. Asked when Kompany will be back, Pellegrini said: "It's difficult to say. We're still looking at the different reasons for so many inolo Toure.Toure's ambition is not limited to City, says Rodgers.The Ivorian has already had a spell as the assistant manager of his home nation.“One day, he has mentioned he would love to take an African team to a World Cup and win it," Rodgers saijuries. Myself, I am not too sure, but maybe [he will be back for] the last part of the season." Will Manuel Pellegrini be in charge of Man City at the end of 2016/17?0+ VOTES SO FAR

A host of Premier League stars took to a damp Monte Carlo on Sunday afternoon to watch the . Torrential rain before the race meant that the drivers had to set off behind the safety heir Champions League win at Inter Milan.La Masia graduates Carlos Perez and Ansu Fati struck for the 2-1 triumph to condemn Inter to the Europa League.Valverde said, "You can think about how a game will go, but you ultimately don't know for sure whacar for Formula 1's most glamorous race, but that didn't put off the spectators who turned out in the principality. boss Claudio Ranieri's title-winning celebrations continued as he mixed trackside following his squad's recent post-season trip to Thailand, while Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick was also in attendance, a week after lifting the FA Cup at Wembley. Arsenal forward will have plenty of free time this summer after hio's chief pundit Eduardo Inda, while speaking on El Chiringuito.Inda declared: "Barcelona is complaining a lot about the penalties in the last six games. "This happens because there is now VAR."You have to remember that there were 79 games without ae missed out on Roy Hodgson's England squad for the European Championship and was spotted taking in the action with tennis star Caroline Wozniacki. The NBA was represented by Tony Parker, Chris Bosh and Dwyanne Wade, who saw British driver Jolyon Palmer crash out at the first corner minutes after the safety car came in, causing a virtual safety car to come into operation. Following a host of early crashes and withdrawals the weather perked up, as Lewis Hamilton took a mid-race lead. Can Lewis Hamilton overhaul Nico Rosberg in the title race?1000+ VOTES SO FAR

gave yet another indication that this could be his final season as boss when he said on Thursday that he had a “lucid and objective” decision to make about his future. The boss of two decades also conceded that he would have to accept the club’s decision should they agree with a pocket of fans who want the Frenchman gone. It all adds up to rampant speculation about who could replace him at the end of the current campaign sinock has revealed how Steven Gerrard had tipped Curtis Jones to be successful long before his winning goal against Everton on Sunday.The 18-year-old scored with a stunning curled effort to dispose of Liverpool's rivals in the FA Cup third-round.And Wace his era come to an end. has come to their own conclusion, taking emotion out of the equation and using only statistics. Their findings are have been based on the analysis of all the managerial appointment across Europe's top clubs over the last decade, and deciding whether or not they were a success “defined as performances meeting or exceeding expectations for the majority of their reign”. And only one name remains at the end. For instance, Borussia Dortmund's Thomas Tuchel is eliminated from the reckoning despite being one of the top contenders for the job due the fact he wasn’t a player of note, having turned out in Germany briefly for the second-tier Stuttgarter Kickers and third-tier SSV Ulm. Only 28 per cent of managers without a significant career on the pitch behind them have been considered a success. Bosses from Europe, but not the same nation have a 54 per cent success rate, meaning Atletico Madrid’s Argentine manager Diego Simeone and Bournemouth’s Eddie Howe, an Englishman, are out of their running. Age is also a factor, with those in their 40s doing better, which rules out 57-year-old Joachim Low and 52-year-old Roberto Mancini. Had Low now already been ousted from this exercise, he would have been now - international bosses or coaches only do well 17 per cent of the time. This knocks out former Holland boss and assistant Frank de Boer and Thierry Henry, who’s Roberto Martinez's deputy at Belgium. Perhaps most interestingly, Premier League experience is over-rated with only 35 per cent of those with experience as a player or manager in England a success compared to 50 per cent who’ve never been involved in the top flight. It all leads to one man, , the 49-year-old Juventus boss. Allegri would have to be appointed before August 11, when he turns 50, but ticks every other box for the role. His playing career was spent hopping around a range of clubs in home country Italy, including Cagliari, who he rejoined as manager before his last two roles at AC Milan and Juventus. Probably no coincidence that he's the bookies' favourite, as well. Wh with a one-match ban for his dismissal against Atalanta.Ancelotti was sent off as Napoli protested for not being awarded a penalty in the 2-2 draw.Although he defended his actions, the FIGC's Giudice Sportivo argued he “entered the pitch, disputino should be the next Arsenal manager? 3000+ VOTES SO FAR

fans are apparently delighted with the team has selected to The Gunners boss made a few changes to his team that beat Benfica 5-2 on Saturday - a game that Theo Walcott dominated. Opting to leave the England international out for the visit of the La Liga side, Wenger has given Hector Bellerin his first pre-season start. Youngster Joe Willock has also been named in the starting XI, and will be desperate to show both Wenger and the Gunners fans what he can do. But it was the sight of one man being named in an particular position that really caught the attention of the Arsenal supporters. So far £52million man Alexandre Lacazette has been used sparingly, which makes sense given he is still settling into life at Arsenal. And Wenger has been showing off his versatility by deploying him on the wing, which has at times, created ambiguity among Gunners fans. However, the sight of him starting for Arsenal for the first time on this pre-season tour in a centre forward position has really got supporters excited... Big day for the Frenchman. Cech, Koscielny, Elneny, Monreal, Bellerin, Ramsey, Willock, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ozil, Welbeck, Lacazette Martinez, Mertesacker, Holding, Kolasinac, Bramall, Maitland-Niles, Xhaka, Nelson, Iwobnal have yet to reach an agreement with Saint-Etienne over William Saliba.Reports in France have claimed the Gunners have agreed personal terms with the 18-year-old cet chance for Arsenal to gain redemption after last weekend.That is according to star defender David Luiz.The club's summer signing wants them to respond after the 3-1 defeat to Liverpool in the previous round of the competition.Now the Gunners face tntre-back.After a stellar debut season in Ligue 1, Saliba is keen on a move to the i, Walcott, Giroud Will Lacazette fire Arsenal to the title?21000+ VOTES SO FAR

Manchester United are keeping tabs on wonderkid - and the above should explain exactly why they are. The clip shows the 19-year-old's stand out moment in his short career to date, when he scored a hat-trick against NEC Nijmegen back in November. The three goals came just nine days after the youngster made his international debut for Denmark and just four months after he was spotted by a scout. And not just any scout, John Steen Olsen, the same man who discovered Scandinavian duo Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Christian Eriksen. The pick of the bunch scored by the young Dane in the above clip is an outrageous backwards header tha can qualify for the Europa League this season.The 20-year-old England international admits that the Hammers are going through a "little blip" - failing to win their last five top-flight games - after a strong start to thTottenham defender Toby Alderweireld admits returning to Ajax is in his career plan.Alderweirweld has just helped Spurs reach the Champions League final at his former club's expense.He told Sky Sports: "I do not want to make popular statements, but it is definitely 100 percent in my mind."I have had wonderful times here with three league titles, but also losses. "My family was also happy here."e season."It's been very frust takes everyone completely by surprise. Dolberg, who is contracted to Ajax until 2021, stands at 6ft 2ins and was described by Olsen as the 'perfect player' for four-times European Cup winners. He has scored 11 goals in 26 appearances this season, and has been linked with both Everton and Manchester City in recent times. Red Devils boss Mourinho may also be looking to bring in a younger striker, and , Dolberg is on their shortlist. Would Kasper Dolberg be a success in the Premier League?500+ VOTES SO FAR

the star of the show in Arsenal's 3-2 win over Vitoria on Thursday.Down 2-1, the substitute showed his class with two superb free-kicks to give Arsenal all three points in the Europa League encounter.Nicolas Pepe Scores a screamerSuch ng Barcelona.The winger won't join up with his new teammates until the summer.On his official Twitter account, the Portuguese starlet wrote a message in Portuguese, Spanish and Catalan. He said: "I'm very happy to be able to wear FC Barcelona's shirtbeauty pic.twi

head coach Aitor Karanka has no fresh injury problems as he prepares to send out his team for the first time in the Premier League against . Defenders Dani Ayala, who has recovered from a troublesome ankle injury, and Bernardo Espinosa have returned to training after minor knocks and are available. That leaves only midfielder Grant Leadbitter (hernia surgery) and full-back James Husband (dislocated shoulder) missing for promoted Boro. Mark Hughes is waiting on the fitness of Glen Johnson before the trip to the Riverside. The defender has a thigh problem, and is unlikely to be risked against the Premier League new boys. Robbie Savage shares his betting tips for Sunday's Premier ts he has struggled to play back-up for Harry Kane. The Spaniard has featured in 30 matches for Spurs this season, in large part due to Kane's injury troubles.Despite struggling to adjust to the role, Llorente remains determined to be successful in nLeague games in association with William Hill: However, the Potters should be able captain Lionel Messi.During Monday night's 2-2 draw between Argentina and Uruguay, Cavani and Messi confronted eachother before halftime, with it being claimed the Barcelona captain challenged the Uruguay striker to take their fight off the pitch.Howto call on Marko Arnautovic and Xherdan Shaqiri after knocks. Who are you tipping to win the Premier League title?24000+ VOTES SO FAR

Chris Coleman says will “relish” backing up his controversial battle-cry – by Roy Hodgson. Bale c than England ahead of Thursday’s clash. It antagonised England’s boss and his squad, but Bale did something similar before winning the Champions League – claiming no Atletico Madrid player would make Real’s starting XI. Wales boss Coleman said: “If you look at the Champions League final, Gareth made a comment about Atletico Madrid. But he went into the abandoned their pursuit of Moussa Dembele because of Origi's end-of-season form.Origi scored a double in Liverpool's famous 4-0 semi-final win over Barcelona at Anfield in May, before netting again in their Champions League final victory of Tottenha final, played really well and scored a penalty in the shoot-out. “I don’t think Bale has a problem backing anything up. I think he looks forway head into the international break.There were some doubts about the Lampard revolution early in the season.But the club legend has settled fan nerves with a good run of results. The latest victory cake courtesy of a 4-1 away success at Southampton. rd to the spotlight and the pressure.” In pictures - Wales 2-1 Slovakia: The Galactico had said: “England big themselves up” and called them “the enemy”. But insisted: “I understand where Roy is coming from, but Gareth was not disrespectful. "He was simply saying we are a small nation. Little things mean more to us than bigger ones.” Will Wales beat England in Lens?1000+ VOTES SO FAR

st-half of the season and ultimatelyited is good for English football.United saw their first bid of £70million rejected by Leicester City and were reluctant to meet their £80million valuation of the player - until now.Maguire is due to undergo a medical today before completing his mo is was they whom "threw me out".The Spaniard was sacked less than halfway through his second season in November after a string of poor results and performances.Though he admits the Gunners were not playing well un